Stepping through a rock-strewn railyard in Boyertown, families lined up to board the historic train that made its unofficial debut on the Colebrookdale line Saturday, Oct. 18.
Beginning with a 10:30 a.m. departure for the first train, hayrides on the “Secret Valley Line” offered by the Colebrookdale Railroad drew in patrons of all kinds.
They were treated to a two-hour ride in a train used in 1869 through a valley of scenic fall foliage and other natural and historic attractions, travelling from Boyertown to Pottstown through Colebrookdale and Douglass (Berks) townships. Throughout the ride, historical narration was provided by train workers to give context to the sights along the way.
The line follows the Ironstone and Manatawny creeks and passes by the village of Pine Forge.
“We are anticipating many people,” said Dianne Krumm, a member of the Colebrookdale Preservation Trust.
“It will be an eye-opener for people who never knew what things were on either end of the train,” explained Krumm.
It wasn’t just volunteers who were excited about the train rides. Many of the guests came, not only for the festive visuals that the ride offers, but to satisfy their interests in the historic train itself.
“We have been waiting for this for years,” said Cherie Makowski of Parker Ford, who is a self-proclaimed train enthusiast.
“We’ve travelled all over Pennsylvania. We’ve ridden almost every tourist train ride in Pennsylvania. Two weeks ago we drove almost 200 miles for an 8-mile train ride,” she said.
In the open car section, riders sat on bales of straw for a wagon-like riding experience, or were seated in the festively decorated caboose from 1941. In addition, guests could enjoy the deluxe coach or locomotive section of the train.
Not only did riders enjoy the crisp fall air, but were also offered food and beverages on the train. The Other Farm Brewing Company hosted a small stand in the caboose of the train, offering hot cider, coffee and snacks. The company even made a special brew just for the Colebrookdale Railroad called Rail Ale that they offer at the brewery just across the street from the Boyertown station.
Many guests made the ride a family affair and beamed with excitement during the ride through the picturesque valley.
“It’s been a great experience, especially for my three-year-old,” Kim Hoot, of Boyertown said as the train approached Pottstown.
“It definitely meets my expectations, that’s for sure,” she continued.
After the ride, guests shared what they enjoyed most about the experience.
“My favorite part was just when we got on the train and enjoyed the ride… It was awesome,” said Nicholas Horvat, 10, of Boyertown.
Horvat also happens to be one of the volunteers that helped fix up the trains for the big debut Saturday. All of the work done to the trains has been accomplished through many hours of work by volunteers with the Colebrookdale Preservation Trust. The Trust is currently working on raising $250,000 to obtain and restore the Birdsboro station, which has been threatened by demolition, and move it to Pottstown. In 2015, the rail line is anticipating the excitement of being able to transport passengers to Pottstown attractions such as Memorial Park, the Carousel at Pottstown, Pottsgrove Manor, the Schuylkill River Trail, miniature golf course and the Steel River Playhouse as well as many restaurants.
Krumm described this unofficial weekend as a “soft entry” into next year so that they can take this time to work out problems and make next year run at its best.
All of the ticket sales for this weekend are going toward the $250,000 needed for the new Pottstown station. The line also has a variety of other kinds of train rides that they will be offering throughout 2014 as part of their “sneak peek season.” Rides including the Bonfire Express, Pickfest Rambler Hayride and Bluegrass trains, haunted history trains and Santa Klaus trains for the holiday season.
Justin Boyd, 27, of Pottstown explained his feelings on the project and how he feels it will affect the community.
” There’s been immense interest in the project from everyone that hears about it…I think it’s going to be a really big draw and a large benefit to both Pottstown and Boyertown,” said Boyd.
